Over 14 million children leave schools every day at the same time. A big majority of them head home and have nothing to do, especially if their parents are working. Once the kids are done with their homework, they spend aimless hours in the playground or indulge in unhealthy activities like video games or internet browsing at home. If you want your kids to spend those hours in a fun, safe environment, and learn a new skill, then after school programs are the solutions.
The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (NYVPRC) shares that nine out of ten parents believe that every child, regardless of where he studies, should have access to after-school programs. However, two-thirds of these parents admit that it is hard to find a one that operates locally. However, if you do proper research you may find some of the best afterschool programs that can help your child make the most of his spare time.
By finding the right programs to enroll your child in, you can rest assured that he is safe, productive and an adult is supervising his activities when you cannot. These programs have now become a need of every child. If you want your child to utilize his energy in a positive way, this article is for you. Today we are going to discuss why you need to enroll your child in an afterschool program. So, let’s begin.
Prevent your child from developing dangerous behavior:
According to studies, post-school is the peak time when the majority of juvenile crimes take place. Your child has no one to supervise him while you are at work. He can join a bad company and develop risky behavior. He might start drinking or using drugs. If that happens, it brings a plethora of other problems including police arrests and teen pregnancies.
Helps your child decide his career path:
When you enroll your child in a structured and safe afterschool activity, he has plenty of time to pursue what he actually wants to. Let’s admit. No child is born evil. While growing up every child has a different set of dreams that he wants to fulfill. All he needs is the right opportunity.
That’s what you can offer him by enrolling him in an afterschool program of his choice. Give him space to do what he wants. Not every child is good at studies. Some want to pursue the arts or sports. Struggling at math or science may send your child to a dark place. Don’t let that happen. Help him grow his creative abilities by enrolling him in the right afterschool program.
Helps him develop new skills:
Students have plenty of time after school. This time can be utilized to build new skills. After School programs offer a variety of courses that include everything from math, science, linguistics, arts & crafts, music, dramatics and more. You can choose the program keeping the preference of your child in mind. See what he is interested in. Don’t burden him with a program of your choice. Let him choose what pleases him and what he wants to do. Let him try whatever the skill he wants. It will give him more confidence and a sense of trust from your side.
Improvement in academic achievement:
The students who struggle at school often end up losing their confidence. This lack of confidence causes anxiety and panic that makes them perform even worse. They stop believing in themselves and all they see is their failures.
Sometimes even the smallest achievement boosts their confidence and gives them the push they need to perform well at school. That’s what an afterschool program offers your child. They restore your child’s lost confidence by letting him excel at what he wants. Something as small as winning a board game can set your children on the right track.
Opportunity to relax:
Some parents believe that after school programs will overburden their child. However, the majority of these programs are designed to provide children relief from the tough school day. They get to spend time with their friends care-freely, unwind and burn off some steam from an exhausting school day.
Wrapping up!
There are various reasons why you need to get your child enrolled in an afterschool program. From keeping him safe, allowing him to develop social skills and confidence, letting him decide his career earlier in life and more, he can achieve it all once he is enrolled in an afterschool program.